Mathematics at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
67
Optimistic
66
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $79,530/yr (57% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #44 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,093K $1,023K $796K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 3.9x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 66 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,988
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,572
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,418
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$119,511
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northwestern University Mathematics graduates command $79,530/yr out of the gate, well above the $50,797 national median. That 57% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 3.9x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,418 in median debt clears quickly against $79,530 in annual earnings.

At #44 of 253 nationally, this is a top-5% Mathematics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $119,511 show a 50% jump from the $79,530 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Northwestern University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Northwestern University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,960 students in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northwestern University

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at Northwestern University?
A score of 66/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Mathematics field.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $796,110 in decade earnings vs $1,093,425 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Northwestern University's Mathematics program stand out?
Ranked #44 of 253 programs nationally, Northwestern University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is Northwestern University a hidden gem for Mathematics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $108,572 over four years — 59% below the $263,988 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →